We’ve got a soft spot for the vibrant Dixie Salad, a Southern gem that’s as refreshing as a lazy afternoon on the porch. Originating from the heart of Dixie, this easy dish blends juicy fruits and crisp veggies into a symphony of flavors that screams summer comfort.
Today, we’ll dive into our take on this timeless recipe, perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners. It’s not just salad—it’s a taste of tradition that keeps us coming back for more.
Ingredients
To prepare our refreshing Dixie Salad—a vibrant Southern favorite—we start by gathering these essential ingredients, selected for their fresh flavors and textures that evoke the essence of summer.
We’ll organize the ingredients in the order they’re typically used, from base components to flavorful add-ins and dressing elements. For optimal results, we recommend using fresh, high-quality produce to enhance the salad’s crispness and juiciness.
- Mixed greens (8 cups, loosely packed): Start with a base of fresh lettuce or spinach, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces for a crisp foundation.
- Oranges (2 medium, peeled and segmented): Use navel oranges for their sweet, juicy segments, which add a bright citrus note to balance the salad’s earthiness.
- Celery (1 cup, thinly sliced): Chop 2-3 stalks for a crunchy texture that complements the fruits and provides a subtle, refreshing crunch.
- Green onions (½ cup, finely chopped): Slice the green parts only for a mild, peppery flavor that ties in the Southern vibe.
- Apples (1 large, cored and diced): Opt for a crisp variety like Granny Smith; dice into ½-inch pieces to maintain their firmness.
- Pecans (½ cup, toasted): Toast in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, adding a nutty crunch and rich Southern character.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Choose a high-quality block and crumble it fresh for a tangy contrast to the sweet elements.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Use extra-virgin for the dressing base, ensuring it’s of good quality to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): This adds a mild acidity to the dressing; whisk it in for that authentic Dixie tang.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Incorporate for a touch of natural sweetness that harmonizes the salad’s fruits and veggies.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Freshly ground pepper and a pinch of sea salt to season the dressing, adjusting based on your preference for a well-balanced taste.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients for the Dixie Salad, we’ll walk you through the straightforward steps to create this vibrant, Southern-inspired dish that bursts with crisp textures and refreshing flavors.
Prep
Before assembling, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is fresh and ready. Follow these steps in order:
- Wash and dry the greens: Start by rinsing 4 cups of mixed greens under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner for crisp, vibrant leaves that form the base of our salad.
- Chop the fruits and vegetables: Dice 2 navel oranges into bite-sized segments, slice 2 celery stalks into thin, crunchy pieces, chop 2 green onions finely for a mild oniony kick, and cut 1 apple (such as Granny Smith) into thin slices to maintain their juicy texture and prevent browning—toss the apple slices in a light squeeze of lemon juice if preparing ahead.
- Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup of pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until they turn golden and release a nutty aroma. Let them cool completely to enhance their crunch and flavor depth.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, tangy blend that ties our salad together.
- Crumble the cheese: Gently crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese into small pieces, ensuring they remain soft and ready to add a salty, creamy contrast to the mix.
Assemble
With our ingredients prepped, it’s time to bring everything together for a harmonious, flavorful Dixie Salad that evokes the essence of summer.
- Build the base: In a large salad bowl, layer the 4 cups of washed mixed greens as the foundation, then evenly scatter the diced navel oranges, sliced celery, chopped green onions, and apple slices on top for a colorful, texturally diverse display.
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese over the greens and fruits, distributing them uniformly to ensure every bite includes their nutty and tangy elements.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, starting with half the amount to avoid sogginess, then gently toss everything with salad tongs until the ingredients are lightly coated and glistening, allowing the juicy oranges and crisp veggies to shine through.
- Serve immediately: Portion the salad onto plates right away to preserve its fresh, invigorating appeal, making it ideal for your next potluck or weeknight meal.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this timeless Dixie Salad with us. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a vibrant way to bring fresh flavors into our everyday meals and gatherings.
By preparing it, we’re not just eating; we’re celebrating the simple joys of seasonal ingredients that keep us coming back for more. Give it a try and make it your own—we bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dixie Salad?
Dixie Salad is a refreshing Southern dish that blends juicy fruits like oranges and apples with crisp vegetables such as celery and greens. Originating from traditional Southern cuisine, it’s a light, comforting recipe perfect for summer, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals. Its enduring popularity comes from its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation.
What are the key ingredients for Dixie Salad?
The main ingredients include mixed greens, navel oranges, celery, green onions, apples, toasted pecans, feta cheese, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and seasonings. Using fresh, high-quality produce ensures the salad’s crispness and juiciness, creating a harmonious mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors for a vibrant dish.
How do you prepare Dixie Salad?
Start by washing and drying the greens, then chop fruits and vegetables like oranges, celery, and apples. Toast the pecans for added crunch, whisk together a dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and seasonings, and crumble feta cheese. Layer ingredients in a bowl, add the dressing, and serve immediately to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Is Dixie Salad healthy?
Yes, Dixie Salad is nutritious, packed with vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables like oranges and greens, healthy fats from olive oil and pecans, and protein from feta cheese. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great option for a balanced meal, though moderation with honey and cheese helps control sugar and sodium intake.
Can I make substitutions in the Dixie Salad recipe?
Absolutely, you can swap ingredients based on availability or preferences—for example, use walnuts instead of pecans or goat cheese for feta. Adjust fruits like swapping apples for pears to maintain the fresh, crisp balance. Always prioritize fresh produce to keep the salad’s vibrant flavors intact while experimenting.
How long does Dixie Salad last?
Dixie Salad is best enjoyed fresh and should be served immediately after assembly to preserve its crispness and prevent sogginess. If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts up to 1-2 days, but the greens and fruits may wilt. For optimal taste, prepare components ahead and mix just before serving.